Emergency leis you can make

EMERGENCY LEIS 101

It’s too late to order more leis, what can you do?

DIY FRESH FLOWER LEIS:

Carnations:

String each flower right through the center on a fairly thick thread – try #10 crochet thread, doubled.  Strung loose enough that the green bases can be seen uses 30 flowers for a 40″ lei, strung tight enough that the green flower bases are hidden by the next flower uses 50 flowers for a 40″ lei.

Although they don’t travel well in boxes, carnation leis should last 2-3 days if misted and placed in a bag on the bottom of the refrigerator.

Roses:

Look for spray roses.  String the same as for Carnations.  It takes 40 flowers for a 40″ lei.  Rose leis should last 2-3 days if misted and placed in a bag on the bottom of the refrigerator.

DIY CRAFT LEIS:

Synthetic Raffia:

Simple braided leis made from natural, died, or synthetic raffia are quite pretty!  Double the raffia for added thickness and tuck, glue, or sew bows, silk flowers, or craft pom-poms every 4-6 inches.

Net Leis:

Many craft stores carry net tubes or netting that can be rolled into a tube shape.  Place coins, paper money, or hard candy with knots in between to create a pretty lei – we actually see these every Graduation and Halloween in Hawai’i!